Production technology of oyster mushroom has been standardized for tropical Islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Paddy straw substrate showed significantly higher biological efficiency of about 77 %. Sterilized chopped paddy straw is used for filling the bags. The polythene bags are perforated by making holes with a punch machine or similar tool at a distance of about 10cm. The spawning is done by layer method as in case of cube making. The requirement of spawn may vary with size of bags and quantity of paddy straw inside the bag. In general one bottle or packet (250 gm) of spawn is sufficient for 2 bags (60x45cm). The spawn run will complete with 15 days and white fungal growth can be seen inside the bags. After the spawn run has completed 3-4 cuts are made longitudinally and upper neck of bag is tied with a thread and now it may be hanged or kept on a shelf or rack made of wood, bamboo, iron etc. at a cool place (25-300C), humidity (70-90%). Water is sprayed regularly to keep it moist. Within 3-4 days after spawn run small mushrooms are seen which become ready for harvest in another 3-4 days. About 1-1.5 kg of fresh mushroom can be harvested from one bag.
Total investment in 12 months for (20q paddy straw) is Rs. 59000/-. Gross returns from mushroom cultivation (from 5 crops per year) is about Rs. 85000/-.
Oyster mushroom production has ample scope in the islands. Humid climate is very much congenial for round the year mushroom production in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The technology can be utilized for income generation, business or part of suitable agriculture activity. Here the farming community can be motivated to harness plenty of locally available agriculture waste for making monitory returns. It will also improve the protein deficiency among people of Islands.
Director, Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair-744 101, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.